RallyNorth.net

On a Senior Night worth celebrating, it was a sophomore who led the way for rejuvenated North Andover yesterday.

Sophomore guard Tommy O'Connell came off the bench to pump in a career-high 21 points to pace the Knights to a resounding 65-40 victory over Masconomet. With the win, the hosts earned a share of the Cape Ann League Division 1 crown with Wilmington.

Masconomet not only qualified for the state tourney, it did it in the most dramatic fashion last night as Kevin Van Lenten finished off a length-of-the-court possession with a basket and free throw with 1.4 seconds left. North Reading led, 66-64, before James Riordan (13 points, 13 rebounds) rebounded a North Reading missed free throw and got it to Van Lenten, who was hammered while taking the last-ditch shot.

Clay Cleveland had a career night, dropping in 27 points to go along with 18 rebounds and six steals as Masco (8-2) won its eighth straight.

"He was absolutely huge," Masco coach Ben Hodges said of Cleveland. "We like to pound it in with a lot of high-low and even out on the fastbreak he found himself open. He was all over the court. He could really do no wrong. He was a beast, and he only played three quarters."

Sean Gallagher had 16 points, Kevin Van Lenten scored 11, and Clay Cleveland added 10 as Masco held off a late Danvers rally. Robert Owens pumped in 25 points for the Falcons, while Mike Warren added 13. Tyler Whalen also played well for Danvers (1-6) with eight points.

North Andover bounced back from a heartbraking opening-season loss by clipping Masconomet 73-57. In a shift from the norm, the Knights did most of their damage underneath, led by 6-foot-4 senior Hayden Yeazel, who led all scorers with 22 points and added seven rebounds. Will Enright also had seven rebounds.

Last year's record: 14-7

Coach: Ben Hodges (2nd season)

Key returnees: Kevin Van Lenten, 6-0, Sr., G; Teddy Reed, 6-4, Sr., F; Sean Gallagher, 5-9, Sr., G; Clay Cleveland, 6-0, Jr., G/F; James Riordan, 6-1, Sr., F.